Longest section of England Coast Path yet approved

15 January 2016

The Ramblers is celebrating the announcement today that Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss has approved the longest stretch of the coastal path so far. Work can now begin to make the path between Filey Brigg in North Yorkshire and Middlesbrough’s Newport Bridge a reality.

Running for 70 miles through some of the most spectacular scenery in the north east, the new path will help walkers to access historic sites such as Whitby Abbey and the village of Staithes, home to Captain Cook.

Tom Fewins, Ramblers policy and advocacy manager, said, “we’re really pleased to see progress is being made in the North East and that we’re one step closer to opening up this beautiful stretch of the area’s coastline for everyone to enjoy.

“The path will bring huge recreational, social and economic benefits to the North East, as well as providing walkers with a beautiful coastal route offering uninterrupted spectacular sea views along the way.

“Although people can already enjoy some of the coastline in the area, the new path will include lots of areas where people can take a break and enjoy the views. Importantly for walkers, if the path erodes, a replacement route will be put in place, maintaining the England Coast Path for future generations to enjoy.”

The government recently confirmed that funding to complete the England Coast Path by 2020 would be protected, despite reductions to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA) budget.

The Ramblers have been the driving force behind the campaign to open up the coast for everyone to enjoy, including beaches for kids to play on and cliffs for climbers to clamber up. Through our One Coast for All campaign, we’ve been lobbying the government to open up our coastline and set out a full timetable for completion. The new coastal route will be a high-quality piece of infrastructure which will link coastal communities around England and provide the foundation for outdoor recreation and tourism for decades to come.